Math Summer 2025: Carousel of numbers for little tinkerers in Karlsruhe!

Math Summer 2025: Carousel of numbers for little tinkerers in Karlsruhe!

The fifth edition of the Karlsruhe Math Summer will take place in Karlsruhe from September 11th to 15th, 2025 at the Karlsruhe University of Education (PHKA). The free summer school is aimed at around 100 students who are in the second, third or fourth grade. The event is led by Prof. Sebastian Wartha, a mathematics didactician at PHKA. This year there were 200 applications for the limited places, which shows the great interest in the initiative. Loud ph-karlsruhe.de The math summer focuses on breaking away from counting arithmetic, building an understanding of place value and calculating strategies for plus and minus.

The event is supported by a dedicated team of around 40 PHKA students, 6 supervision teachers and 13 so-called expertise children. These children are between 7 and 13 years old and are characterized by their ability to explain mathematics to others in an understandable way. To supervise the participants, 18 learning groups are planned, in each of which two teacher training students work with a maximum of six students. This is intended to ensure intensive and individual support for children's mathematical skills and self-confidence.

Sustainable funding and results

Since its introduction in 2020, the Karlsruhe Math Summer has established itself as an effective measure to support primary school children with arithmetic difficulties. Over 90% of parents reported expectations were met or exceeded in 2023. After the event, 81% of parents reported seeing an improvement in their children's math confidence. wochenblatt-reporter.de highlights that 39% of children had a “much better” attitude towards mathematics, highlighting the positive impact of summer school.

The initiative not only offers intensive basic mathematical training, but also promotes social skills and teamwork. Parents can prepare for a diagnostic interview, which will take place for each participating child before the event begins. This enables tailor-made support that meets the individual needs of the students.

Cooperation partners and support

The event is sponsored by the Vector Foundation, which has been committed to educational projects to support children and young people for years. Through this cooperation, PHKA's offerings can be kept free of charge, which enables children from different social backgrounds to participate.

The project has developed into an important institution in Karlsruhe that not only strengthens children in their mathematical skills, but also encourages them to gain self-confidence in their own abilities. The Karlsruhe Math Summer is not only a school but also a personal enrichment for the participating children. Registration for the final year group has already opened and interested parents should register by July 15th at the latest to give their children the opportunity to learn and grow in this unique environment. Further information can be found on the PHKA website or directly from the Vector Foundation.